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Itoshima Kakigoya – Oyster Hut Guide 2018-2019

Kakigoya – Oyster Huts
The coastline of Itoshima is dotted with small fishing ports. At some of these, you might see 50-meter-long structures similar to those used to grow vegetables and flowers on farmland. These are kakigoya (oyster huts), where, from October to late March, Fukuoka locals gather to barbecue fresh oysters and other seafood. Because the outer shells of the structures are made of vinyl or similar synthetic materials the huts are also referred to as “Vinyl Houses” – but we’ll stick with the term kakigoya. This year, Fukuoka Now has gathered information on 26 kakigoya to choose from!

How do they work?

The kakigoya are mostly run by small, family-owned fisheries or local restaurants, and their simple and casual atmosphere accounts for much of their charm and appeal. Most have rows of low tables and are outfitted with charcoal or gas-fueled barbecues. We prefer the charcoal barbecues as they give a more rustic experience!

Each hut accommodates between 30 and 300 persons. There’s usually a reception counter and fish tanks close to the entrance. At the reception, put your name on a list to get a table and pick up all the necessities: cotton gloves, tongs, shucking knives, sauces and, of course, trays of fresh oysters. Most huts also offer other seafood and simple side dishes. Menus and prices can be found outside the kakigoya and posted inside on the walls.

On weekends, kakigoya can be very busy and there are often lines to get in. Go early (before 11:00) and line up or, even better, go on a weekday to beat the crowds. Some huts allow you to bring in food and drinks but each hut has different rules. Please confirm before doing so! Some patrons bring in their own sauces, some even bring bottles of wine – but remember to ask in advance.

It’s pretty much all self-serve and you barbecue everything yourself. There are some tricks to learn, such as which side of the oyster to put on the grill first (flat side up) and how long to wait before rotating the shells. The friendly staff are happy to demonstrate. When cooked, the oysters should pop open from the heat. To eat, use the supplied knives to pry them open and detach the oyster from the shell.

Prices and Policies

Oyster prices change depending upon the volume harvested. Currently, oysters are priced at ¥1,000/kg at all huts.

Table charge: There’s normally a ¥300 table charge for the use of charcoal or gas (regardless of how many people are sitting at a single table). Large groups using more than one table will have to pay a fee for each table used.

Grilling other foods: most huts offer other seafood for grilling, which you can buy and grill. However, some huts allow customers to bring extra foods, sauces and even drinks. This generosity should not be abused, nor should you grill any food not purchased from the hut. ALWAYS clarify such points before you sit at your table.

Hints & Tips!

• It can get smoky inside the huts. Keep that in mind when deciding what to wear!
• When the oysters pop open, they sometimes squirt seawater, which can be hot and stain clothes. Some huts provide windbreakers for protection.
• Bring wet tissues for easy clean ups.
• The huts close their doors when they run out of oysters, which could be as early as mid-afternoon on a busy day.
• Most huts have temporary toilet facilities. Adequate, but not special, and most likely not wheelchair-friendly.
• Oysters are available for take out. Bring a suitable bag or cooler. Share with friends back home!
• Most huts have a 1.5-hr maximum seating time.
• There is always plenty of free parking.
• If you go by taxi, consider asking the driver for their suggestions on where to go.
• If you go by car, be sure NOT to drink and drive.

Location

There are several ports in Itoshima where kakigoya can be found. Here are some of the main ones in Itoshima – plus Karatomari, which is located within the Fukuoka City boundaries on the way to Itoshima on Route 54 and Route 202.

Please note: Some oyster huts will be closed for specific days during the New Year holiday period. Business hours and days vary by hut. Please contact individual huts by phone before visiting.

Access

By car (from Fukuoka)
Exit the Maebaru Interchange of the Fukuoka Maebaru Doro, Nishikyushu Expressway. From there it’s about a 15~20-minute drive to Kafuri, Funakoshi and Kishi. Fukuyoshi is a bit further and will take about 30 minutes. To get to Karatomari, it’s best to stay on Route 54 and hug Hakata Bay. It’s about 15 minutes from the Imajuku Intersection.

By train (from Fukuoka)
For Kafuri, Funakoshi and Kishi, the closest train station is Chikuzen-Maebaru on the JR Chikuhi line, which connects directly with Fukuoka City Subway Line #1 (Kuko Line). It takes about 30 minutes from Tenjin. Use the North exit of the station, and if you are going to Kafuri, Funakoshi or Kishi, take a taxi. It will take about 15~20 minutes by taxi. To reach Fukuyoshi, get off at Fukuyoshi Station.

If you are going to Fukuyoshi, get off the train at Fukuyoshi Station. From there, it is approximately 10 minutes on foot to the huts.

Kishi (岐志)

Mirukugaki Toyohisa-maru (豊久丸)

The interior of this oyster hut is very cleverly designed. The wooden tables and benches include functional designs, such as storage space for your coats and belongings, so they do not become smoky or smelly. There’s also some tatami mat seating space too. Of course the main reason to go here is the oysters they harvest themselves in the bay and also the many other seafood dishes. Their flavored oysters (¥600), grilled and served minus the shell are popular too. Super friendly service make this an excellent choice for first-timers too!

★Fukuoka Now Special★
Show this Fukuoka Now guide from your mobile phone get free oyster soup for every person in your group!

Ebisu-maru (恵比須丸)

They have ebisu-gunkan (oysters on top of a sushi gunkan roll)! Located on the left end of Kishi Fishing port. Their trademark is their yellow green jackets which you can wear while enjoying your oysters. Their recommended menu is the Ebisu-maru set (incl. 1 kg of oysters, sazae x1, scallop x1, prawn x1, noble scallop x1, oyster soup and oyster rice).

Tokuei-maru (徳栄丸)

English, Korean and Chinese & children’s menus available. This oyster hut appeared in a popular manga comic from Fukuoka. The Gangan-yaki set (¥3,400) is recommended and can be shared between 2~3 people. Child-friendly toilets, children’s toys and child-sized windbreakers are available, too, so don’t hesitate to bring along your little ones.

Noburin (のぶりん)

The yellow-colored entrance makes this hut easy to spot! Those who aren’t keen on oysters can enjoy other items such as scallops, crab and sausages. New additions to the menu include oyster stew (¥300). The hard-to-find fan lobster (¥500) and anago rice bowl (¥500, available on weekends and holidays only) are recommended, too. A special set for ¥2,000 (incl. charcoal) includes 800 g of oysters, scallop x1, sazae x1, shrimp x1, 1/2 squid, and a bowl of rice. English speaking staff available.

Daiei-maru (大栄丸)

Owned by a squid fisherman, Daiei-maru boasts of delicious squid in addition to oysters. Menu items such as Hakata specialty okyuto (jelly-like seaweed noodles) can be ordered for take away. Their menus include photos for easy ordering. Top your oysters with free condiments such as lemon, grated daikon with chili pepper and more (extra fee for cheese).

Nissinmaru (日進丸)

Located off the main strip of huts, this place has a more relaxed vibe. Many other seafood menu items available. Enjoy natural black awabi for half the price you would pay in Fukuoka City – ¥1,000~/100 g. In good weather, pets are welcome to join guests at the hut’s outside tables. The restaurants have two flush toilets (this is an exclusive service) as well as a diaper changing table! Buy some oysters to take home and you might get a free small-sized oyster. English speaking staff available.

Kyokusei (旭星)

This is an older style oyster hut – very simple, without many side menus. They focus on serving great oysters. Their oyster rice (¥250) made with “Mori no Megumi” oysters from Shiki, as well as live kuruma ebi are recommended. They also have a special set menu (¥3,000) for two persons which includes 1 kg oysters, sazae x4, scallop x2, butterflied horse mackerel x1, oyster rice x2, sausage x2.

Koshin-maru (弘進丸)

This oyster hut is known to locals as “Ko-chan”and their most popular item is their fried oysters (¥600)! Their wide tables are ideal for accommodating families. New on their menu this year are fried horse mackerel and fried whitefish freshly caught by Ko-chan staff!

Funakoshi (船越)

Miwa-chan Kaki (みわちゃんカキ)

One of the largest huts in the area and known for its fresh seafood. It is also one of the few oyster huts where you can see the ocean. Other menu items include horse mackerel sashimi or kawahagi (thread-sail filefish), sashimi (¥1,000) and fried horse mackerel (¥700). They’re also serving clams (¥100/pc) this year – stock pending, so be sure to check the daily menu first.

Horyo-maru (豊漁丸)

They boast of large, juicy oysters raised using a special microbubble technology. Kawahagi or horse mackerel sashimi (ikizukuri) ¥1,600~ is their speciality. Enjoy your oysters with a view of the Genkai Sea!

Senryu-maru (千龍丸)

Menu items include tai-chazuke (sea bream rice with tea, ¥500), fried oysters (¥500) and oyster rice (¥200). Drinks and rice can be brought in. Go on a weekday and help yourself to free shishamo smelt and coffee!

★Fukuoka Now Special★
Show this Fukuoka Now guide from your mobile phone and get free oyster soup for each person in your group!

Shoei (正栄)

This hut use gas barbecues instead of charcoal, which is great for grilling your oysters fast! Their menu features no less than 45 locally sourced dishes including an artfully arranged ise-ebi (Japanese lobster). Fill up on potatoes with butter. Menu outside has photos. Free coffee and shishamo smelt available on weekdays!

Ken-chan Kaki (ケンちゃんカキ)

Their kaisen-don (seafood rice bowl) for ¥500 (limited availability, limited period) is popular. They boast over 50 items on their menu from grilled foods and seafood dishes to desserts. The fan lobster (¥500~), fresh sea urchin (¥500) and the rare red namako (sea cucumber, ¥500) are available only during the winter season. Try the kakijan (oysters arranged in chanja style, ¥500) too. Spacious and well suited for families.

Kaki-house Mokkun (かきハウスもっくん)

Mokkun is the only oyster hut in Itoshima that not only harvests their own oysters, but they also cultivate them. Their fan lobster sashimi, available from October to November, is also highly recommended. Children will get free candy! Free shishamo smelt (1 pc./person) and coffee on weekdays too.

★Fukuoka Now Special★
Show this Fukuoka Now guide from your mobile phone and receive one small serving of oyster rice for your group!

Kafuri (加布里)

Sumiyoshi-maru (住吉丸)

Their Kafuri hamaguri are said to be some of tastiest hamaguri in Japan! Their specialty is oyster shumai (Chinese-style steamed dumplings) and oyster tempura with an original ponzu sauce. Go on weekdays for a free sazae (limited availability: 20 per day)! And buy some Kafuri tsukudani (preserved nori, ¥650) to take home, too.

Hiro-chan Kaki (ひろちゃんカキ)

They offer various unique dishes such as the crab soup (¥300), grilled awabi (¥1,000) and a special oyster set (¥2,000 or ¥3,000 incl. large quantities of hamaguri, awaebi, and sazae). It’s a family-friendly place with washrooms (separated by male/female) and a waiting room. Every day the first ten arrivals will receive a free small dish of their “seafood of the day”!

★Fukuoka Now Special★
Show this Fukuoka Now guide from your mobile phone and get a free dried squid for your group!

Fukuyoshi (福吉)

Shinei-maru (伸栄丸)

The pink flag outside makes it easy to spot their hut. They boast of their dried ajigo (small horse mackerel, ¥100/bag), kuruma ebi set and live scallops (¥400/pc.). Enjoy various meat and seafood dishes. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are “Ladies Days” – each female guest will be given one free shrimp to grill!

★Fukuoka Now Special★
Show this guide on your mobile and get free sazae (4 pc.) for your group!

Hakusan-maru (白山丸)

Nice view of the Genkai Sea from this oyster hut and ideal for both children and adults alike. You can bring in your own sauces, small side dishes and drinks. Any food except meat/sausages can be brought in. Dried Fukuyoshi squid, whole dried horse mackerel and grilled corn are recommended too!

Hiryu-maru / Kaki no Abe (飛龍丸／カキの阿部)

Whole freshly dried squid which you cut with scissors by yourself, plus fresh live kuruma ebi to on the grill, and butterflied horse mackerel (served whole) are recommended. If you’re lucky you might be able to order their special rice bowl (not on the menu)! This year they also offer Korean-style stir fried spicy oysters (¥400). Designated drivers get a free soft drink.

Kaki no Masuda (カキのますだ)

Surume (dried squid) grilled and served with mayonnaise is a popular dish here, or try the grilled scallops. Enjoy grilled oysters with their free toppings: ponzu, soy sauce, mayonnaise, margarine, ichimi chili peppers and lemon. If you travelled by JR train, tell the staff “I came by train” and each person in your group gets a glass of beer (weekdays only)! English menu available.

Karatomari (唐泊)

Karatomari Ebisu (唐泊恵比須)

Ebisu is the only hut at Karatomari, AND the only place where you can try the award-winning Karatomari Ebisu Oysters. This is a different kind of oyster from those farmed in nearby Itoshima. Their oysters are really tasty and big, and oyster tsukudani is a recommended side dish.

Originally written in Oct. 2016. Updated Oct. 2018.
Copyright Fukuoka Now – including all text, photos and illustrations. Permission required to re-use in any form. Meanwhile, feel free to link to to this page.

NOTE: The information presented here was originally gathered and summarized by Fukuoka Now staff in late October 2016. Many of photographs were taken in 2012, so some of the huts may appear different now. While we have done our best to be accurate in this major update, some errors in translation may have occurred. The huts are mostly operated by families and small businesses. Their hours of operation and services change frequently. We suggest you call them in advance to confirm details. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us and we’ll update this page. Now go and enjoy Itoshima’s fabulous seafood!